CAN I HELP YOU? I didn’t know there was such a person, such a place, or such a thing. But there she was—a person who listened and who understood, really understood, and who helped me to find the place—a place that gave me freedom, offered security and oh so much more. And here’s the amazing thing—I didn’t even know she was there—right there in my own community. ... read more

Have you ever received a phone call from an older family member that started like this… “I’ve fallen. I’m hurt.” Northern Kentucky caregivers who have experienced this scenario know firsthand the fear it creates. How badly is Mom hurt? How did this happen? A variety of questions race through your mind as you try to make your way to your loved one’s house. As a caregiver, there is often guilt... read more

When you pick-up a new medication from your favorite pharmacy in Covington or Cincinnati, how often do you try to pronounce the name? Tricky isn’t it? Multiply that by two or three additional prescriptions. All being picked up at the same time. It sets the stage for confusion and mistakes. Medication errors are common among seniors. And it’s no wonder. Multiple medications. Confusing names. ... read more

Do you and your aging loved ones have a plan in place that addresses what should happen in the event of a medical emergency? It is a topic most families avoid discussing. But it is important to ask and answer these questions while you and those you care about are still healthy enough to make educated and informed decisions. If you live alone or if you have an elderly parent living by themselves,... read more

As the mercury rises, it is important for your fluid intake to climb with it. Making sure you drink eight glasses of water a day is important anytime of year. But it is especially crucial during a hot northern Kentucky summer. Dehydration can happen quickly, and it can lead serious health complications. Here are a few quick tips to help northern Kentucky and greater Cincinnati caregivers... read more

Anticipatory grief when caring for a loved one living with a chronic or life-limiting illness, like Alzheimer’s disease, is often very traumatic. While caring for your loved one, you may be faced with a different sense of loss at each stage of the disease. Or just the opposite. Denial can take over. Especially when your loved one is physically healthy and looks like the same ole’ mom or dad. As... read more

Summer heat can be risky for many of us. But it is especially dangerous for older adults living with COPD. Hot temperatures can cause serious COPD complications ranging from fatigue and shortness of breath to lung spasms or even death. It is important to be aware of the rising temperatures and take steps to ensure you are staying healthy and cool. The aging experts at St. Charles Community in... read more

Adult children who care for aging parents long distance are turning to technology to help them manage more and more every year. The National Institutes on Aging estimate that there are currently 7 million long distance caregivers. As boomers continue to retire in greater numbers than any previous generation, those numbers will continue to climb. Northern Kentucky aging experts at St. Charles... read more

For most of us, driving is a necessary part of our day. Even if you are retired, it is essential to maintaining your independence. Just the idea of giving up the keys can make an older adult shudder. But the facts speak for themselves when it comes to older adults and driver safety. Declining visual acuity makes it more difficult for older drivers to see road obstacles and hazards. Slower... read more

Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati caregivers know firsthand how much work the job of caring for a loved one can be. In fact, the toll caregiving takes often creates substantial health risks. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than half of all caregivers see a decline in their own health. One service that can help caregivers is respite. Several local senior care communities,... read more

One of the most common medical conditions that occurs as we grow older is hearing loss. Almost one third of adults over the age of 65 experience some form of it. After the age of 75, that number creeps up to almost 50%. That means nearly 36 million people live with some form of hearing loss. What causes hearing loss? Hearing impairments can range from a mild loss of hearing to a ringing in the... read more

Are you or your spouse a Veteran? Check this out! Northern Kentucky caregivers are sometimes aware that there are benefits out there “somewhere” if the loved one they care for is a veteran. Knowing what it is and how to find it are often obstacles to utilizing the benefit. “The Aid & Attendance Benefit is what helps veterans who need financial support for senior care expenses,” explains Sr.... read more

St. Charles Community is a non-profit, faith-based and smoke-free facility. St. Charles complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex including sexual orientation or gender identity. Each application is considered on an individual basis.View the entire non-discrimination notice here.